Kiosk for evaluating and purchasing used electronic devices

ABSTRACT

Consumer operated kiosks for recycling electronic devices are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the kiosk includes a rotatable inspection plate configured to receive an electronic device when the inspection plate is in a first position. The kiosk can include a camera having a field of view including at least a portion of the inspection plate. The kiosk can include a wired and/or wireless connectivity device configured to connect to the electronic device and one or more processors configured to: receive characteristic information about the electronic device via the wired and/or wireless connectivity device; cause the inspection plate to rotate to a second position; receive one or more images of the electronic device via the camera when the inspection plate is in the second position; and facilitate determination of an offer price for the electronic device based at least in part on the characteristic information and the one or more images.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/788,169, filed Feb. 11, 2020, which claims priority to and thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/807,153, titled KIOSK FOREVALUATING AND PURCHASING USED ELECTRONIC DEVICES, which was filed onFeb. 18, 2019, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/804,714,titled CONNECTOR CARRIER FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE KIOSK, which was filed onFeb. 12, 2019, and these applications are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to consumer operated kiosksfor buying mobile phones and other electronic devices from users.

BACKGROUND

There are more mobile phones in use now than there are people on theplanet. The rapid growth of mobile phones is due in part on the rapidpace at which these devices evolve. Because of the rapid pace ofdevelopment, a relatively high percentage of mobile phones are replacedevery year as consumers continually upgrade to obtain the latestfeatures or a better operating plan. According to the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency, the U.S. alone disposes of over 370 million mobilephones, PDAs, tablets, and other electronic devices every year. Millionsof other outdated or broken mobile phones are simply tossed into junkdrawers or otherwise kept until a suitable disposal solution arises.

Although many mobile phone retailers and cell carrier stores now offermobile phone trade-in or buyback programs, many old phones still end upin landfills or are improperly disassembled and disposed of indeveloping countries. Unfortunately, however, mobile phones and similardevices typically contain substances that can be harmful to theenvironment, such as arsenic, lithium, cadmium, copper, lead, mercuryand zinc. If not properly disposed of, these toxic substances can seepinto groundwater from decomposing landfills and contaminate the soilwith potentiality harmful consequences for humans and the environment.

As an alternative to retailer trade-in or buyback programs, consumerscan recycle and/or sell their used mobile phones using self-servicekiosks located in malls, retail stores, or other publicly accessibleareas. Such kiosks are operated by ecoA™, LLC, the assignee of thepresent application, and aspects of these kiosks are described in, forexample: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,881,965, 8,195,511, 8,200,533, 8,239,262,8,423,404 and 8,463,646; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos.62/169,072, 62/202,330, 62/332,736 62/782,302 and 62/782,947; and U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 14/498,763, 14/500,739, 14/506,449,14/568,051, 14/598,469, 14/660,768, 14/663,331, 14/873,145, 14/873,158,14/925,357, 14/925,375, 14/934,134, 14/964,963, 14/967,183, 14/966,346,15/057,707, 15/130,851, 15/176,975 and 16/719,699, each of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is front, top, right isometric view of an electronic devicerecycling kiosk configured in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 2 is a front, top, left isometric view of the kiosk of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a back, top, left isometric view of the kiosk of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a bottom, front, right isometric view of the kiosk of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a front, top, right isometric view of the kiosk of FIG. 1 witha front door and associated hardware omitted for purposes of betterillustrating internal components and systems of the kiosk.

FIG. 6 is a front schematic view of an electronic device recycling kioskconfigured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 7A is a front, top, right isometric view of an electronic deviceevaluation system (DES) of the electronic device recycling kiosk ofFIGS. 1-5 configured in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 7B is a front view of the DES of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a right side view of the DES of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D is a back view of the DES of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7E is a left side view of the DES of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7F is a top plan view of the DES of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7G is a bottom plan view of the DES of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a back, top, right isometric view of the DES of FIG. 7A withportions of the lower housing removed for purposes of illustration.

FIG. 9 is a front, top, right isometric view of the DES of FIG. 7A withthe upper and lower housings removed for purposes of illustration.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional side view of the DES of FIG. 7A takenalong cut-plane A-A of FIG. 7B, in which a tilting assembly is in a homeposition and an access door is opened.

FIG. 10B is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the tiltingassembly of FIG. 7A taken along cut-plane A-A of FIG. 7B, in which thetilting assembly is in the home position and the access door is opened.

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional side view of the DES of FIG. 7A takenalong cut-plane A-A of FIG. 7B, in which the tilting assembly is in thehome position and the access door is closed.

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional side view of the DES of FIG. 7A takenalong cut-plane A-A of FIG. 7B, in which the tilting assembly is in agrading position and the access door is closed.

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional side view of the DES of FIG. 7A takenalong cut-plane A-A of FIG. 7B, in which the tilting assembly is in abinning position and the access door is closed.

FIG. 11D is a back, top, right isometric view of the DES of FIG. 7A withthe upper and lower housings removed for purposes of illustration.

FIG. 12A is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a chute of the DESof FIG. 7A taken along the cut-plane A-A of FIG. 7B.

FIG. 12B is a schematic side view of a storage bin.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the DES of FIG. 7A taken alongcut-plane A-A of FIG. 7B, in which the DES is in a repair or maintenanceconfiguration.

FIG. 14A is an isometric view of an electronic device recycling kioskconfigured in accordance with other embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 14B is a front view of the kiosk of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15A is a front, top, right isometric view of an electronic deviceevaluation system (DES) of the electronic device recycling kiosk ofFIGS. 14A and 14B configured in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology.

FIG. 15B is a front side elevation view of the DES of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16A is an enlarged front, top, right isometric view of aninspection area of the DES of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16B is an enlarged front, top, right isometric view of theinspection area of the DES of FIG. 15A, with the upper DES housingremoved for purposes of illustration.

FIG. 17 is a view of connector assemblies of the DES of FIG. 15A alongan axis of rotation of the primary connector assembly.

FIG. 18A is a front isometric view of a secondary connector assembly ofthe DES of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 18B is a rear isometric view of the secondary connector assembly ofFIG. 18A.

FIG. 19A is a rear exploded view of the secondary connector assembly ofFIG. 18A.

FIG. 19B is a front exploded view of the secondary connector assembly ofFIG. 18A.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional top view of the secondary connectorassembly of FIG. 18A taken along the cut-plane B-B of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating various componentsassociated with the kiosks of FIGS. 1-6 and 14A-14B.

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate a flow routing for evaluating andpurchasing an electronic device from a user in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a suitable distributed computingenvironment for implementing various aspects of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure describes various embodiments of consumeroperated kiosks for recycling mobile phones and other electronicdevices. In some embodiments, the kiosks are sized and shaped to fitrelatively small installation sites (e.g., urban retailers, airports,transportation stations, or other space-sensitive settings). The kioskscan include a housing configured to accommodate one or more displays,user interfaces, testing apparatuses, bins, device evaluation systems(DESs), and/or other kiosk components. In some embodiments, DESsconfigured in accordance with the present technology can includemoveable and/or tiltable testing equipment configured to transitionbetween two or more positions. For example, the DES can include a testplatform, a connector assembly, and one or more upper and/or lowercameras and light assemblies, all or some of which can be configured totransition between a home position (e.g., a position in which the userinteracts with the kiosk), a grading position (e.g., a position in whichthe kiosk/DES is configured to evaluate the condition of the phone orother electronic device to be purchased), and a binning position (e.g.,a position in which the electronic device is transitioned into a bin orother holding unit after completion of the transaction with the user) bytilting one or more components of the DES about an axis of rotation.These features can allow for a reduction in the volume of the kiosknecessary to evaluate the electronic device to be purchased and/orrecycled. In some embodiments, upper and/or lower domes of the testingequipment are gray in color, in contrast to conventional domes that arewhite. The gray coloring of the dome(s) can reduce glare on the testedelectronic device and can allow for improved device identificationand/or damage detection. In certain applications, the domes can includeblack (or otherwise dark-colored) portions on the interior surfacesthereof to absorb excess light and further reduce glare. As a result ofthese and/or other features and improvements, kiosks configuredaccording to the present technology are able to evaluate electronicdevices while occupying a relatively small footprint in a retail orother setting.

Certain details are set forth in the following description and in FIGS.1-23 to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of thepresent technology. In other instances, well-known structures,materials, operations and/or systems often associated with mobileelectronic devices, mobile device recycling kiosks, etc. are not shownor described in detail in the following disclosure to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments ofthe technology. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize,however, that the present technology can be practiced without one ormore of the details set forth herein, or with other structures, methods,components, and so forth.

The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadestreasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with adetailed description of certain examples of embodiments of thetechnology. Indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however,any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner willbe overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Descriptionsection.

The accompanying Figures depict embodiments of the present technologyand are not intended to be limiting of its scope. The sizes of variousdepicted elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and these variouselements may be arbitrarily enlarged to improve legibility. Componentdetails may be abstracted in the Figures to exclude details such asposition of components and certain precise connections between suchcomponents when such details are unnecessary for a completeunderstanding of how to make and use the invention. Many of the details,dimensions, angles and other features shown in the Figures are merelyillustrative of particular embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly,other embodiments can have other details, dimensions, angles andfeatures without departing from the spirit or scope of the presentinvention. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that further embodiments of the invention can be practicedwithout several of the details described below. In the Figures,identical reference numbers identify identical, or at least generallysimilar, elements.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are front isometric views of a kiosk 10 configured inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology for purchasingelectronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, etc.) from a user.FIG. 3 is a rear isometric view of the kiosk 10, and FIG. 4 is a bottomisometric view of the kiosk 10. Referring to FIGS. 1-4 collectively, thekiosk 10 can include a housing 12 and one or more user interface devices14 a-d configured to facilitate use of the kiosk 10. The user interfacedevices 14 a-d can include a keypad 14 a, an ID card reader 14 b, apayment dispenser 14 c, a receipt dispenser 14 d, and/or other userinterface devices (e.g., a thumbprint scanner) to facilitate theelectronic device purchase process. As illustrated, the kiosk 10 canalso include one or more displays 16 a-b. The one or more displays 16a-b can include touch-screen capability for receiving user inputs inresponse to displayed prompts, etc. The kiosk 10 can also include anaccess door 18 which can retract to permit the user to submit theirelectronic device (not shown) for evaluation. The access door 18 cancover an aperture in a front door 20 of the kiosk 10. One or more of theuser inputs 14 a-d can be positioned on or in the front door 20 of thekiosk 10. In some embodiments, one or more of the user interfaces 14 a-dcan be positioned on or in a side wall 22 of the kiosk housing 12.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the housing 12 can have a height H, a width W, anda depth D. In some embodiments, the height H is between 24-90 inches,between 30-90 inches, between 36-72 inches, and/or between 48-84 inches.In some embodiments, the width W is between 10-54 inches, between 12-48inches, between 24-36 inches, and/or between 20-30 inches. In someembodiments, the depth D is between 15-30 inches and/or between 18-24inches.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the kiosk 10 can include one or more feet 24and/or one or more casters 26. The feet 24 can be configured to adjustin height to allow for levelling of the kiosk 10 at non-levelinstallation locations. In some embodiments, the feet 24 can beretracted upward and above the casters 26 to allow the kiosk 10 to beeasily moved on the casters. In some embodiments, the casters 26 areadjustable and capable of moving downward to contact a floor or othersurface upon which the kiosk 10 is installed.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the kiosk 10 with the front door 20 (FIG.1 ) removed to illustrate internal components of the kiosk 10. The frontdoor 20 can be configured such that it pivots (e.g., about one or morehinges) between opened and closed positions while one or both of thedisplays 16 a-b remain stationary. Maintaining one or more of thedisplays 16 a-b in the position illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 can allow atechnician or other operator to perform maintenance and/or repair tointernal components of the kiosk 10 while observing instructions on oneor more of the displays 16. In some embodiments, one of the displays 16(e.g., the upper display 16 b) is connected to and moves with the frontdoor 20 while the other display (e.g., the lower display 16 a) remainsin place.

The kiosk 10 can include one or more compartments 30 a-b configured toaccommodate the displays 16 a-b. These display compartment(s) 30 a-b canbe positioned at or near an upper end of the kiosk 10. One or moredispensers 32 a-b (e.g., receipt printers/dispensers, labelprinters/dispensers, cash/voucher or other remuneration dispensers,etc.) can be positioned in appropriate locations and compartments withinthe kiosk 10 to dispense associated receipts, labels, cash, etc. tousers as needed to perform the methods described herein. CPUs and othercomputer hardware 35 can be positioned in a lower portion of the kiosk10 and can be operably connected, via cables (e.g., extendable cables)and/or via wireless connectors to other components within and/or outsideof the kiosk 10. In some embodiments, the kiosk 10 includes one or morepower cables configured to plug into a wall outlet or other facilitypower source. In some embodiments, one or more energy storage units(e.g., batteries) can be positioned in the kiosk 10 to power thecomponents described above. The DES 34 can be positioned at or near alower portion of the kiosk 10 above a bin slot 36 configured toaccommodate a bin or other storage receptacle for receiving purchasedand/or recycled electronic device.

In some embodiments, the DES 34 can be positioned at or near the centerof the kiosk 10. In other embodiments, the DES 34 can be positioned inother portions of the kiosk 10, for example. FIG. 6 illustrates a frontschematic view of a kiosk 10′ wherein a DES 34′ can be positioned at ornear one of the sidewalls of a housing 12′ of the kiosk 10′. Remaininghardware 35′ and user interfaces 32′ can be positioned in the spaceabove, below, and/or to the side of the DES 34′. In some configurations,positioning the DES 34′ toward one side of the kiosk 10′ can furtherreduce the overall dimensions of the kiosk 10′, as the user interfaces32′ and other hardware components 35′ can be positioned in a compact,localized arrangement. In some embodiments, the kiosk 10′ includes asingle display 16′. The single display can include touch screencapabilities and/or can display advertisements/instructions. In someembodiments, the kiosk 10′ includes two displays 16 a′, 16 b′ similar infunction and/or structure to the displays 16 a, 16 b, respectively,described above.

FIG. 7A is an enlarged front isometric view of the DES 34 removed fromthe kiosk 10 to better illustrate the components of the DES 34. Asillustrated, the DES 34 can include an upper housing 40 and a lowerhousing 42. In some embodiments, the upper and lower housings 40, 42 areintegrally formed with each other. In other embodiments, the upper andlower housings 40, 42 are separate parts. In some embodiments, the kioskincludes an access door assembly 44. The access door assembly 44 can beconnected to the upper DES housing 40. In some embodiments, the accessdoor assembly 44 includes a lower frame 46 mounted to the upper DEShousing 40. The access door frame 46 can include an opening 48configured to provide access to an inspection area 50 of the kiosk 10.As described in more detail below, the access door assembly 44 caninclude an access door 18 configured to move (e.g., slide) between aclosed position and an open position (as shown in FIG. 7A) along amovement direction 53. In the closed position, the access door 18 blocksaccess to the electronic device inspection area 50 of the DES 34. In theopen positioned, the access door 18 is moved away from the inspectionarea 50 as shown in FIG. 7A to allow for insertion and/or removal of anelectronic device 54 into/from the inspection area 50.

FIG. 7B is a front view of the DES 34 and FIG. 7C is a right side viewthereof. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the inspection area 50 can have awidth W2 (e.g., as measured parallel to the floor on which the kiosk 10is installed) sufficient to receive a mobile phone or other electronicdevice 54. For example, the width W2 of the inspection area can be atleast 4 inches, at least 6 inches, at least 8 inches, and/or at least 12inches. In some embodiments, the width W2 of the inspection area 50 isbetween 4-10 inches, between 6-12 inches, between 8-20 inches, and/orbetween 10-14 inches. Preferably, the width W2 of the inspection area 50is approximately 18 inches. As shown in FIG. 7C, the upper housing 40can have a dome-shape, a partial dome shape, or an otherwise bulbousshape. The shape of the upper housing 40 can facilitate use of the upperhousing 40 as an upper dome for visual inspection of the electronicdevice 54, as described in more detail below. The upper DES housing 40can include one or more inwardly-directed light assemblies mountedtherein or thereon. For example, an upper side light assembly 56 can bemounted through a sidewall of the upper housing 40 and an upper rearlight assembly 58 can be mounted through a rear wall of the upperhousing 40 and directed into the upper DES housing 40. In theillustrated embodiment, each of the light assemblies 56, 58 includes thesame number of lights (e.g., three lights). In some embodiments, theside light assembly 56 can include a different number of lights than therear light assembly 58. For example, due to the shape of most electronicdevices being longer than they are wide, the side light assembly 56 mayinclude more lights than the rear light assembly 58 to better illuminatethe full length of the electronic device. In some embodiments, an uppercamera 60 (FIG. 7C) is mounted on or in an upper portion of the upperDES housing 40 (e.g., at or near an upper end of the upper DES housing40).

FIG. 7D is a rear elevation view of the DES 34. As illustrated, thelower DES housing 42 can include a chute 62 or other structure throughwhich the electronic device, as described in detail below, can beconfigured to fall after inspection of the device and acceptance of apurchase offer by the user. In some embodiments, a drive assembly 64,configured to facilitate tilting of the inspection area 50 and othercomponents, as described in more detail below, is mounted on a side ofthe lower DES housing 42. The access door assembly 44 can include alocking mechanism 137 configured to selectively engage with one or morelock interfaces 139 on the access door 18 (e.g., on a back surface ofthe access door 18). For example, the lock interfaces 139 can beindentations on the back surface of the access door configured toreceive a movable protrusion or other portion of the locking mechanism137. Engaging the lock interfaces 139 with the locking mechanism 137 caninhibit or prevent the access door from moving between the opened andclosed configurations without selective disengagement of the movableprotrusion of the locking mechanism 137 from the lock interfaces 139.

FIGS. 7E, 7F, and 7G are a left side view, a top view, and a bottomview, respectively, of the DES 34. As illustrated in FIG. 7F, the accessdoor 18 can include one or more guides 64 configured to engage (e.g.,slidably engage) a rail 66 on a track 68. In some embodiments, the track68 and/or rail 66 (e.g., a round rail) are mounted or otherwise attachedto the access door frame 46. Engagement between the guides 64 and therail 66 can facilitate movement of the access door 18 along the movementpath 53 in two parallel and opposite directions (e.g., parallel to thelength of the rail 68) while limiting movement of the access door 18 inother directions.

FIG. 8 is a rear isometric view of the DES 34 with the upper DES housing40 and right and rear sidewalls of the lower DES housing 42 removed forpurposes of illustration. The DES 34 can include an access door motor 74(e.g., a step motor) configured to move the access door 18 between theopened position (FIG. 7A) and the closed position (FIG. 11A). Forexample, the access door motor 74 can be configured to rotate a sprocket76 having teeth sized and shaped to interface with a toothed track 78 onthe back side of the access door 18. Rotation of the sprocket moves 76the access door 18 between the opened and closed positions. In someembodiments, the access door motor 74, the guides 66, and/or the track70 include a dampening mechanism to inhibit or prevent damaging impactsbetween the access door 18 and other components of the kiosk if power iscutoff from the kiosk and the access door 18 moves toward the closedposition.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 , The DES 34 can include a moveable evaluationsubassembly (“MES”) 80. The MES 80 can include the drive assembly 64configured to tilt/rotate one or more components of the DES 34 about ahorizontal axis of rotation between two or more positions. The MES 80can include a base plate 84 that is operably coupled to the driveassembly 64. The base plate 84 can be hingedly (e.g., rotatably)connected to the lower DES housing 42, to the upper DES housing 40, orto some other portion of the kiosk 10. Additional components can bemounted to the base plate 84, as explained in more detail below. Forexample, a connector carrier 85 (e.g., a primary connector carrierand/or rotatable connector carrier) can be rotatably mounted to the baseplate 84 and configured to move with the base plate 84. As described ingreater detail below, the connector carrier 85 can include multipleindividual electrical connectors circumferentially distributed on arotatable hub (e.g., a carrousel). In some embodiments, a lower domeassembly 87 is mounted to the base plate 84 and/or otherwise configuredto move with the base plate 84.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the MES 80 with the upper DES housing 40and lower DES housing 42 removed for purposes of illustration. The MES80 can further include a mirror assembly 86 that is mounted to the baseplate 84. For example, the mirror assembly 86 may include one or morehinges 88 pivotably coupled to the base plate 84 to allow for rotationand/or deflection of the mirror assembly 86 with respect to the baseplate 84.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the drive assembly 64 can include atilt motor 90 (e.g., a stepper motor) operably coupled to a first pulley92. The drive assembly 64 can include a drive belt 94 (e.g., a toothedbelt) connected to the first pulley 92 and to a second pulley 96. Thefirst pulley 92 and second pulley 96 can be mounted to the lower housing42 of the DES 34 or to some other fixed structure. The tilt motor 90 canbe configured to rotate the first pulley 92 to rotate the second pulley96 via the drive belt 94. In some embodiments, the tilting assembly caninclude a meshed gear arrangement between the tilt motor 90 and the baseplate 84 to facilitate rotation of the base plate 84. The MES 80 caninclude a bracket 97 rotationally locked to the second tilt pulley 96and configured to rotate about a tilt axis 99. The bracket 97 can bemounted to the base plate 84 such that rotation of the second pulley 96rotates the base plate 84.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the MES 80 can include an inspection plate 100.The inspection plate 100 can be, for example, a transparent plate usedduring inspection of the phone or other electronic device 54. Theinspection plate 100 can be constructed from glass, polymer, or someother suitable material (e.g., a transparent or translucent material).For example, the inspection plate 100 can be constructed from anoleophobic material or coated with an oleophobic material. Use of anoleophobic material or other smudge-resistant material can improve theperformance of the kiosk 10 and reduce the need for frequent servicingto clean the inspection plate 100. In some embodiments, the inspectionplate 100 and the base plate 84 are formed together as a single piece oftransparent material. In some embodiments, the inspection plate 100 ismounted to the base plate 84. For example, the base plate 84 can have anaperture sized and shaped to receive the inspection plate 100.Preferably, the upper camera 60 has a field of vision that includes allor most of the inspection plate 100.

As further illustrated in FIG. 9 , the mirror assembly 86 can include amirror plate 102 that generally surrounds the inspection area 50 on atleast two sides. In some embodiments, the mirror assembly 86 includesone or more mirrors mounted to a mirror frame 104 that extends aroundthe inspection area 50 on at least two sides. The mirror frame 104 canbe formed as part of, or otherwise connected to the mirror plate 102.The mirror plate 102 and/or the mirror frame 104 can be hingedly (e.g.,rotatably) connected to the base plate 84 or some other structure of thekiosk 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the mirror assembly 86 includesa first side mirror 106 a positioned on a first side of the inspectionarea 50 and a second side mirror 106 b on a second side of theinspection area 50 opposite the first side mirror 106 a. In someembodiments, the mirror assembly 86 further includes a top side mirror106 c extending at least partially between the first and second sidemirrors 106 a, 106 b. One or more of the mirrors 106 a, 106 b, 106 c canbe arranged at an angle with respect to the mirror plate 102. Theangle(s) of the mirrors 106 a-c with respect to the mirror plate 102 canbe, for example, between 10°-85°, between 20°-80°, between 25°-55°,between 30°-60°, between 45°-65°, and/or between 40°-50°. Angling themirrors with respect to the mirror plate 102 can enable cameras in theinspection area 50 to obtain reflected views of the sides of the phoneor other electronic device 54 during inspection from a directionperpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the inspection plate100.

In some embodiments, a lower side of the mirror frame 104 can include ashelf member 110 having one or more ridges 112, ribs, or protrusions.These ridges 112 can be configured to provide a gap G between the bottomend of the electronic device 54 and the shelf member 110. Spacing thebottom end of the phone or other electronic device 54 away from theshelf member 110 can allow light to show through the gap G so that thebottom edge of the electronic device 54 can be observed by the camerasor other imaging equipment of the kiosk 10. Viewing the bottom edge ofthe electronic device 54 can facilitate easier and/or more accurateevaluation of the overall size of the electronic device 54, as well aseasier detection of damage to the bottom edge of the electronic device54. In some embodiments, the ridges 112 or some other portion of theshelf member 110 include one or more lips or protrusions configured toreduce the likelihood that the electronic device 54 tips over and awayfrom the inspection plate 100 as the inspection plate 100 moves betweenits various positions (see discussion of FIGS. 11A-11C below). The shelfmember 110 can also include a connector slot or connector aperturethrough which a connector 114 from the connector carrier 85 can beinserted to connect to the phone. Further details describing structureand operation of the connector carrier 85 are described in U.S.Provisional Patent App. No. 62/804,714, titled CONNECTOR CARRIER FORELECTRONIC DEVICE KIOSK and filed Feb. 12, 2019, and also in AttorneyReference number 111220-8053.US01, titled CONNECTOR CARRIER FORELECTRONIC DEVICE KIOSK and filed Feb. 11, 2020, the entire disclosuresof which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional side view of the DES 34 that shows the DES34 in an initial or “home” position the MES 80 is arranged at an anglewith respect to horizontal. For example, the angle A1 between the baseplate 84 and horizontal can be less than 90° and greater than 0°. Insome embodiments, the angle between the base plate 84 and horizontal isbetween 40°-80°, between 55°-75°, between 10°-85°, between 45°-70°,and/or between 30°-65° when the DES 34 is in the home position. In someembodiments, the angle between the base plate 84 and horizontal isapproximately 60°. Orienting the base plate 84 at an angle less than 90°with respect to horizontal when in the home position can reduce the riskof the phone 54 inadvertently falling out of the inspection area 50.Orienting the base plate 84 an angle greater than 0° with respect tohorizontal when in the home position can reduce the required depth ofthe kiosk 10 to accommodate the access door assembly 44 and/or othercomponents of the kiosk 10, thereby reducing the overall size and/orfootprint of the kiosk 10. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS.8 and 11D, the MES 80 can include one or more locking mechanisms 141configured to selectively engage portions of the kiosk 10 (e.g.,portions of the lower housing 42 of the DES 34) to inhibit or preventinadvertent transition of the MES 80 between tilting positions.

As illustrated in FIG. 10A, the lower dome assembly 87 can include alower dome 120 having a curved dome/bulbous shape. The lower dome 120can be mounted to the base plate 84 such that the lower dome assembly 87moves with the base plate 84 as the MES 80 drives the base plate 84between various positions. In some embodiments, the lower dome assembly87 includes one or more cameras and/or lighting assemblies used toinspect the phone or other electronic device. For example, the lowerdome assembly 87 can include a lower camera 122 mounted to the lowerdome 120. The lower camera 122 can have a field of vision that includesall or most of the inspection plate 100. In some embodiments, the lowerdome assembly 87 includes first and second lighting assemblies 126, 124.Returning to FIG. 9 , the mirror frame 104 can include one or morecalibration structures configured to facilitate calibration of thecameras 60, 122 (e.g., after installation, repair, replacement, and/orrefurbishment of one of the cameras). For example, the mirror frame 104can include one or more visual indicators 91 (e.g., dots, protrusions,indentations, etc.) located at known positions on the mirror frame 104and observable by one or both of the cameras 60, 122. The visualindicators 91 can be used to recalibrate evaluation of and/or scaleimages captured by the cameras 60, 122. One or more of the lightingassemblies (e.g., the lower rear lighting assembly 124) can be mountedon a back side of the lower dome 120. In some embodiments, anotherlighting assembly (e.g., the lower side lighting assembly 126) ispositioned on a side of the lower dome 120.

FIG. 10B illustrates an enlarged side view of the MES 80 and othercomponents of the kiosk 10. The upper DES housing 40 can include one ormore rims or edges 128 at the boundaries of the inspection area 50. Whenthe MES 80 is in the home position as shown, the rims 128 of the upperDES housing 40 can overlap the mirror frame 104 such that access to theinterior of the upper and lower DES housings 40, 42 is closed to outsideaccess. Access to the connector carrier 85 is also blocked by theinterface between the upper DES housing 40 and the mirror frame 104.

FIGS. 11A-11C are left side cross-sectional views illustrating the DES34 in the home position, an inspection position, and a binning position,respectively. More specifically, FIG. 11A illustrates the access door 18and the MES 80 in their respective default positions (e.g., thepositions in which they are positioned in the absence of interactionwith a user or maintenance staff). In the default position, the accessdoor 18 is closed, thereby blocking access to the inspection area 50 ofthe DES 34. A user may instruct the kiosk 10 (e.g., via a touch screenportion of one of the displays 16 a-b, and/or via one of the userinterface devices 14 a-d) to open the access door 18 (e.g., asillustrated in FIG. 10B) to allow for placement of a phone or otherelectronic device 54 into the inspection area 50. For example, the usermay tap or press one or more buttons or icons on the displays 16 a-b oron the keypad 14 a associated with a request to begin a transaction. Theuser may specify, via one or more of the user interface devices 14 a-d(FIG. 1 ) and/or via a touch screen portion of one of the displays 16a-b, the make and/or model of the user's electronic device 54. Theconnector carrier 85 can rotate and/or move toward the inspection area50 and present the relevant connector 114 (FIG. 9 ) to the inspectionarea 50. After the user inputs the electronic device 54 into theinspection area 50 and connects a connector 114 (FIG. 9 ) thereto, theuser may instruct the kiosk 10 (e.g., via a touch screen portion of oneof the displays 16 a-b, and/or via one or more of the user interfacedevices 14 a-d) to evaluate the electronic device 54 for trade-in and/orpurchase value. In some embodiments, before closing the access door 18and/or prior to placement of the electronic device 54 into theinspection area 50, the kiosk 10 may use the lower camera 122 to take apicture of the user through the inspection plate 100 (e.g., foradherence to second-hand dealer laws and/or for other securitypurposes). As illustrated in FIGS. 10B and 11A, the kiosk 10 can includeone more door stops 136 configured to limit downward movement of theaccess door 18 and/or to define the closed position of the access door18.

As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the MES 80 can rotate from the home positionto an evaluation (e.g., grading, inspection, etc.) position. In someembodiments, the base plate 84 and/or inspection plate 100 arepositioned substantially horizontal when in the evaluation position. Thekiosk 10 can be configured to evaluate the electronic device 54 when theMES 80 is in the evaluation position. Evaluation of the electronicdevice 54 can include visual evaluation (e.g., via the cameras 60, 122)and/or electrical evaluation (e.g., via the connector 114 and/or via asoftware application or wireless connection) to determine variousinformation about the device that can affect the monetary value of thedevice. Such information can include, for example, the make, model,sub-model of the device, the device features (e.g., memory size, cellservice carrier, etc.), device operability, device charge and/orrechargeability, physical condition (e.g., presence or absence ofcracks, display function and condition, etc.

Electrical evaluation, visual evaluation, grading, detection of cracksand/or of screen covers, and/or other evaluation and analysis of theelectronic device 54 can be performed as described in U.S. Pat. Nos.:10,496,963; 10,475,002; 10,445,708; 10,438,174; 10,417,615; 10,401,411;10,269,110; 10,157,427; 10,127,647; 10,055,798; 10,032,140; 9,911,102;9,904,911; 9,885,672; 9,881,284; 9,818,160; 8,463,646; 8,423,404;8,239,262; 8,200,533; 8,195,511; and 7,881,965; U.S. patent applicationSer. Nos. 12/573,089; 12/727,624; 13/113,497; 12/785,465; 13/017,560;13/438,924; 13/753,539; 13/658,825; 13/733,984; 13/705,252; 13/487,299;13/492,835; 13/562,292; 13/658,828; 13/693,032; 13/792,030; 13/794,814;13/794,816; 13/862,395; 13/913,408; 14/498,763; 14/500,739; 14/873,158;14/506,449; 14/925,357; 14/925,375; 14/934,134; 14/964,963; 14/568,051;14/966,346; 14/598,469; 14/660,768; 14/663,331; 15/057,707; 15/091,487;15/214,791; 15/630,460; 15/641,145; 15/672,157; 15/855,320; 15/901,526;15/977,729; 16/195,785; 16/357,041; 16/534,741; 16/556,018; 16/556,104;16/575,003; 16/575,090; and Ser. No. 16/601,492, and 16/719,699; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/169,072, titled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FORVISUALLY EVALUATING ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” filed by the applicant on Jun.1, 2015; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/202,330, titled “METHODSAND SYSTEMS FOR INSPECTING MOBILE DEVICES AND OTHER CONSUMER ELECTRONICDEVICES WITH ROBOTIC ACTUATION,” filed by the applicant on Aug. 7, 2015;U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/332,736, titled “METHODS AND SYSTEMSFOR DETECTING DAMAGE IN EDGE REGIONS OF MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICES,”filed by the applicant on May 6, 2016; U.S. Provisional Application No.62/804,714, titled “CONNECTOR CARRIER FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE KIOSK,”filed by the applicant on Feb. 12, 2019; U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/807,153, titled “KIOSK FOR EVALUATING AND PURCHASING USEDELECTRONIC DEVICES,” filed by the applicant on Feb. 18, 2019, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/807,165, titled “NEURAL NETWORK BASEDPHYSICAL CONDITION EVALUATION OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATEDSYSTEMS AND METHODS,” filed by the applicant on Feb. 18, 2019, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/950,075, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORVENDING AND/OR PURCHASING MOBILE PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES,”filed by the applicant on Dec. 18, 2019. All the patents and patentapplications listed in the preceding sentence and any other patents orpatent applications identified herein are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

In some embodiments, evaluation (e.g., electrical and/or visualinspection) of the electronic device 54 include obtaining characteristicinformation about the electronic device 54, which can include deviceidentification, make, model, and/or configuration. In other embodiments,the characteristic information can further include device functionalityincluding hardware/software configuration, charging capability, memorycapacity, etc. Information necessary to identify and/or evaluate amobile device can include, for example, a unique identifier (e.g., anIMEI number or an MEID or equivalent number of a mobile phone, ahardware media access control address (MAC address) of a networkabledevice, or a model number and serial number of the electronic device);information describing the device manufacturer (e.g., a manufacturername or ID code), model, characteristics and capabilities (e.g., CPUtype and speed, storage capacity (SRAM, DRAM, disk, etc.), wirelesscarrier, radio bands (frequency ranges and encodings such as CDMA, GSM,LTE, etc.), and/or color, condition; and so on. In some embodiments, theelectrical analysis can include evaluating the condition and/orfunctionality of the charging circuit of the electronic device. Inparticular, the testing electronics can measure the amount of chargecurrent that the charging circuit draws on the power lines, and thetesting electronics can use the corresponding current measurement signalto determine whether the charging circuit is functional or damaged. Insome embodiments, the kiosk 10 can perform the electrical analysis usingone or more of the methods and/or systems described in detail in thecommonly owned patents and patent applications identified herein andincorporated by reference in their entireties.

In some embodiments, the inner surface (or at least a majority thereof)of one or both of the upper dome 40 and the lower dome 120 is gray incolor. Using gray upper and/or lower domes 40, 120 can enhance thevividness of shadows of the electronic device 54 cast onto the upper andlower domes 40, 120. For example, the gray color of the domes 40, 120can absorb a portion of the light cast by the light assemblies, therebyreducing glare and increasing the vividness/crispness of the shadows. Insome embodiments, one or both of the upper and lower domes 40, 120 caninclude a darkened (e.g., black, charcoal, or some other dark color)portion or band. For example, one or both of the domes can include ablack band 132 on their respective inner surfaces. The black or darkenedportions or bands 132 can absorb light and reduce glare within the domes40, 120. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the upperand/or lower domes 40, 120 include one or more apertures therethrough toallow light to escape, thereby reducing glare within the inspection area50 and on the inner surface of the domes 40, 120. The darkened portionsand/or apertures can reduce unwanted reflections of light from the phoneor electronic device 54 (e.g., reflections from curved/beveled cornersand/or edges) to allow for increased accuracy and reliability in theevaluation/grading process.

After the kiosk 10 evaluates the electronic device 54 as describedabove, the user is presented with a purchase offer via, for example, oneof the displays 16 a-b. The purchase price can be offered/paid in theform of, for example, cash, a voucher redeemable for cash, merchandise,services, etc., electronic value (e.g., bitcoin, e-certificates, creditto electronic payment account, etc.), credit (e.g., a prepaid creditcard, debit card, gift card, etc.), coupons, loyalty points, and/orother forms of value. If the user rejects the offer (e.g., via a touchscreen portion of one of the displays 16 a-b, and/or via one of the userinterface devices 14 a-d), the MES 80 returns to the home position (FIG.11A), the access door 18 opens, and the connector 114, if stillconnected to the electronic device 54, disconnects from the electronicdevice 54. In some transactions, the electronic device 54 may bedisplaced on the inspection plate 100 from its original home position.For example, the electronic device 54 may tilt in a direction parallelto the face of the inspection plate 100. In some such situations, theelectronic device 54 may become jammed between, for example, the accessdoor frame 46 and the inspection plate 100. The kiosk 10 can beconfigured to detect such a jam and retract the MES 80 a small distancetoward the evaluation position. The MES 80 may be locked in thisintermediate position while the access door 18 opens to allow the userto retrieve their electronic device 54. Use of this intermediateposition (e.g., a locked intermediate position) between the evaluationposition and the home position can reduce the likelihood of damage tothe electronic device 54 and/or to the kiosk 10 during operation.

If the user accepts the offer from the kiosk 10 and inputs that decisioninto the kiosk 10 (e.g., via a touch screen portion of one of thedisplays 16 a-b, and/or via one of the user interface devices 14 a-d),the MES 80 rotates further downwardly about the pivot axis 99, asillustrated in FIG. 11C. In some embodiments, the offer price (e.g.,cash, voucher, or some other type of remuneration) is dispensed to theuser after acceptance (e.g., via the payment dispenser 14 c and/orelectronically into an account of the user). In some embodiments, theDES 34 includes a mirror stop 136 configured to engage the mirror frame104 and prevent it from tilting down beyond a predetermined position(e.g., beyond the grading position). For example, the mirror stop 136can contact a portion of the mirror frame 104 and/or the mirror plate102 to prevent movement of the mirror assembly 86 downwardly past themirror stop 136. As illustrated in FIG. 11D, the base plate 84 caninclude one or more notches 140 configured to allow the base plate 84 tomove past the one or more mirror stops 136 as the MES 80 rotates betweenthe grading position and the binning position. As illustrated in FIG.11C, the mirror frame 104 can tilt upward relative to the hinges 88(due, e.g., to the interference by the mirror stope 136) while theremainder of the MES 80 tilts downward. Separating the mirror frame 104from the inspection plate 100 in this manner enables the electronicdevice 54 to slide off the inspection plate 100 in a direction 142toward the chute 62 without hitting or otherwise contacting the mirrorframe 104.

FIG. 12A is an enlarged elevation view of the chute 62 and associatedcomponents. The chute 62 can include a moveable flap or panel 144. Thepanel 144 can be configured to rotate about a hinge 146. When the phoneor other electronic device 54 contacts the panel 144, the panel 144 canrotate about the hinge 146 to dampen the momentum of the electronicdevice 54 and reduce the risk of damage to the electronic device 54during the binning process. A counterbalance 150 can be connected to thepanel 144 on a side of the hinge 146 opposite the panel 144. Thecounterbalance 150 can be sufficiently heavy to bias the panel 144 tothe closed position illustrated in FIG. 12A, but light enough to permita phone or electronic device 54 to deflect the panel 144 as theelectronic device 54 passes through the chute 62. After sliding down thepanel 144, the device 54 contacts a lower plate 148 configured to directthe electronic device 54 into a waiting bin 170. In some embodiments,the chute 62 includes a sensor 152 (e.g., a Hall-effect sensor or othersensor) configured to detect when the panel 144 is in a deflectedposition. Should the sensor 152 detect that the panel 144 remains in thedeflected position for longer than a predetermined period of time (e.g.,less than 2 seconds, less than 5 seconds, less than 10 seconds, and/orless than 30 seconds), the kiosk 10 can be configured to cease operationand/or alert repair personnel that the chute 62 is malfunctioning. Suchmalfunctions can include a full or overfull bin, an electronic devicestuck in the chute 62, and/or other malfunction.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, the bin 170 includes aprotrusion 172 (e.g., a conical, pyramidal, cylindrical, and/or someother shape) extending from a lower surface of the bin. The protrusion172 can be sized and shaped such that electronic devices contact theprotrusion 172 before settling in the bottom of the bin 170. Theprotrusion 172 can act a diverter to randomize the distribution ofelectronic devices within the bin 170 to reduce the likelihood ofoverfilling only a portion of the bin 170 while other portions of thebin remain unfilled. In some embodiments, the protrusion 172 provides asofter landing for the device 54 than the bottom of the bin 170 (e.g.,the protrusion 172 breaks the fall of the electronic device 54 betweenthe tilt plate and the bottom of the bin 170). In some embodiments, oneor more of the cameras of the kiosk can be configured to monitor thetransition of the electronic device 54 through the chute 62 to confirmexit of the electronic device 54 from the DES 34. In some embodiments,the bin 170 can be prelabelled, addressed, and/or otherwise ready forshipment once the bin 170 is sealed. In some embodiments, the kiosk 10is configured to determine the amount of filler and/or air pouchesrecommended for inclusion in the bin 170 to reduce the likelihood ofdamage to the electronic devices in transit. Such determinations can bemade, for example, based on automatic volume estimates based on thenumber and types of the electronic devices purchased by the kiosk 10 andintroduced to the bin 170. The bin 170 can have a size and shape toencourage and/or ensure that the electronic devices are oriented in anorderly (e.g., co-aligned and/or stacked) configuration within the bin170 to reduce wasted space in the bin 170. In some embodiments,maintenance of the kiosk and/or retrieval of the bins 170 iscrowd-sourced. In some embodiments, independent vendors are notified ofthe types and quantities of electronic devices gathered in the bin 170and given the opportunity to bid for or purchase the bin 170 andretrieve the bin 170 directly from the kiosk 10.

As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the foregoingroutines are but some examples of ways in which the kiosk 10 can be usedto recycle or otherwise process consumer electronic devices such asmobile phones. Although the foregoing examples are described in thecontext of mobile phones, it should be understood that kiosk 10 andvarious embodiments thereof can also be used in a similar manner forrecycling virtually any consumer electronic device, such as MP3 players,tablet computers, PDAs, and other portable devices, as well as otherrelatively non-portable electronic devices such as desktop computers,printers, devices for playing games, entertainment or other digitalmedia on CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, etc. Moreover, although the foregoingexamples are described in the context of use by a consumer, the kiosk 10in various embodiments thereof can similarly be used by others, such asstore clerk, to assist consumers in recycling, selling, exchanging, etc.their electronic devices.

FIG. 13 illustrates the DES 34 in a repair or maintenance position. Inthe repair position, the access door 18 is in the opened position andthe MES 80 is in the grading (e.g., horizontal) position. In such aconfiguration, the repair personnel have access to the mirror assembly86, lower dome assembly 87, connector carrier 85, and/or to othercomponents in the interior of the DES 34 via an access aperture 150 inthe upper dome 40.

FIG. 14A is a front isometric view of a kiosk 1010 configured inaccordance with other embodiments of the present technology forpurchasing electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, etc.) froma user. Certain features of the kiosk 1010 (and of the DES 1034,described below) are similar in structure and/or function to, or thesame as, features of the kiosk 10 described above. Such features of thekiosk 1010 are identified by reference numbers identical to those usedwith respect to the kiosk 10, but with the addition of 1000. Forexample, the kiosk 1010 includes first and second displays 1016 a-b thatare similar to or the same as the first and second displays 16 a-bdescribed above with respect to the kiosk 10. The kiosk 1010 can includea housing 1012 with a height H2, a depth D2, and a width W3 similar toor the same as the height H, the depth D, and the width W, respectivelyof the kiosk 10.

FIG. 14B is a front view of the kiosk 1010 and illustrates anarrangement of user interface devices 1014 a-d that is different fromthe arrangement of user interface devices 14 a-d of the kiosk 10. Forexample, an ID card reader 1014 b and a payment dispenser 1014 c arepositioned to one side of the electronic device inspection area 1050. Akeypad 1014 a and/or a receipt dispenser 1014 d can also be positionedto the side and/or below the inspection area 1050. In some embodiments,one or more of the user interface devices 1014 a-d are positioned abovethe inspection area 1050. The inspection area 1050 is positioned closerto a side of the kiosk 1010 (i.e., farther from the center of the kiosk1010) than the area 50 of the kiosk 10. The inspection area 1050 canhave a width W4 that is greater than the width W2 of the inspection area50 described above. As explained below, the width W4 of the inspectionarea 1050 can be at least partially attributed to the presence of one ormore connectors in addition to the connector carrier 85.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are enlarged front isometric and front views,respectively, of the DES 1034 removed from the kiosk 1010 to betterillustrate the components of the DES 1034. The DES 1034 includes anaccess door 1018 configured to slide along the track 1068 in a mannersimilar to the same as described above with respect to the door 18 andtrack 68 of the DES 34. Movement of the access door 1018 along the track1068 can prohibit and allow access to the inspection area 1050. Thetrack 1068 can be mounted to the upper DES housing 1040. In someembodiments, the track 1068 is mounted to the access door frame 1046.

In use, a mobile phone or other electronic device 1054 can be placedinto or removed from the inspection area 1050 when the access door 1018is in a raised position (i.e., the position illustrated in FIGS.15A-15B). The DES 1034 can include an inspection plate 1100 similar toor the same as the inspection plate 100 described above. The inspectionplate 100 can be connected to other mechanisms of the DES 1034configured to tilt or otherwise move the inspection plate 1100 in amanner similar to or the same as the movement tilting of the inspectionplate 100 described above. For conciseness, features of the DES 1034which are functionally and/or structurally equivalent to the features ofthe DES 34 described above will not be re-described.

FIG. 16A is an isometric view of the inspection area 1050 of the DES1034. The kiosk 1010 can include one or more secondary connectors 1115a-b in addition to the connector 114 (i.e., the connectors 114,collectively, of the primary connector carrier 85). For example, thekiosk 1010 can include a first secondary connector 1115 a positioned toone side of the connector 114 and a second secondary connector 1115 bpositioned on an opposite side of the connector 114. The first andsecond secondary connectors 1115 a-b (as well as the connector 114) canbe selected so that all, or at least most, of the commercially availablemobile phones and other mobile electronic devices can be connected tothe primary connector carrier 85 and/or to the first and secondsecondary connectors 1115 a-b. For example, in some embodiments theconnectors 114, 1115 a-b can include Mini-USB, Micro-USB, USB-C and/orLightning connectors. Positioning the first and second secondaryconnectors 1115 a-b on opposite sides of the primary connector carrier85 can allow the primary connector carrier 85, and its several differentconnectors 114, to be used for non-foldable phones and other electronicdevices while the secondary connectors 1115 a-b are used to connect tofoldable phones and other electronic devices with offset connectionport. In some embodiments, both the first secondary connector 1115 a andthe second secondary connector 1115 b are the same type of connector(e.g., Mini-USB, Micro-USB, USB-C, Lightning, etc.), and in otherembodiments the first and second secondary connectors 1115 a-b aredifferent from each other.

As described above, the secondary connectors 1115 a-b can be positionedto accommodate foldable phones or other electronic devices having dataand/or electrical connectors in non-central positions. In someembodiments, the secondary connectors 1115 a-b are configured toaccommodate electronic devices having nonstandard connector types. Thesecondary connectors 1115 a-b can be configured to remain retracted withthe kiosk 1010 unless and until a user designates that they wish thekiosk 1010 to evaluate a foldable phone. The kiosk 1010 can beconfigured to extend one or both of the secondary connectors 1115 a-b ifa user indicates (e.g., via a touch screen on the displays 1016 a-b)that the electronic device to be evaluated is a device with an offsetelectrical connector (e.g., a foldable phone).

FIG. 16B is an isometric view of the inspection area 1050 of the DES1034 with the shelf 1110 and upper DES housing 1040 removed for clarity.The secondary connectors 1115 a-b are connected to secondary connectorassemblies 1089 a-b. The secondary connector assemblies 1089 a-b can beseparate from the primary connector carrier 85. In some embodiments, thesecondary connector assemblies 1089 a-b are electrically connected tothe primary connector carrier 85 (e.g., via connection to one or moresockets in the primary connector carrier 85). The secondary connectorassemblies 1089 a-b can be mounted to the base plate 1084 or to someother structure of the kiosk 1010, as discussed in detail with respectto FIG. 20 .

FIG. 17 is a front view of the primary connector carrier 85 and thesecondary connector assemblies 1089 a-b, as observed parallel to an axisof rotation of the connector carrier 85. The first secondary connectorassembly 1089 a is illustrated in a lowered or retracted position, whilethe second secondary connector assembly 1089 b is illustrated in araised or extended position. Retraction and extension of the secondaryconnector assemblies 1089 a-b can be controlled in response to userinput (e.g., via a touch screen portion of one of the displays 1016 a-b,and/or via one of the user interface devices 1014 a-d) identifying afoldable phone to be evaluated. The secondary connectors 1115 a-b may benecessary for foldable phones, as the data/charging ports on manyfoldable phones are positioned at or near the center of one segment ofthe phone (e.g., on one half or one third of the foldable phone). Suchport positioning puts the port at an off-center portion of the foldablephone when the foldable phone is unfolded. In some embodiments,retraction and extension of the secondary connector assemblies 1089 a-bis controlled in response to visual inspection and identification of afoldable phone within the kiosk (e.g., via one or more of the cameraswithin the kiosk). For example, visual inspection of an electronicdevice may reveal connection ports in offset positions, foldingfeatures, and/or other indicators that the electronic device is afoldable phone.

FIGS. 18A-18B are isometric views of the secondary connector assembly1089 a, while FIGS. 19A-19 b are exploded views thereof. As illustrated,the secondary connector assembly 1089 a includes a connector 1115 a, aconnector holder 1360, an electrical cable 1362, and a base connector1366 (e.g., a universal cable connector, such as a USB connector). Theelectrical cable 1362 the first end portion electrically connected tothe connector 1115 a and a second portion electrically connected to thebase connector 1366. To hold (e.g., fixedly hold) the phone connector1115 a in its proper position relative to the shelf member 1110, theconnector 1115 a is received in a corresponding connector holder 1360,which in turn is held in a corresponding retaining bracket 1364. Theconnector holder 1360 can include asymmetric protrusions on either sidethereof and/or other dimensional features to ensure that the holder 1360is positioned in the corresponding retaining brackets 1364 in thecorrect orientation (e.g., with the tip of the connector 1115 a pointingupward). The base connector 1366 is operably received in a correspondingconnector socket within the kiosk 1010.

The secondary connector assembly 1089 a can have a drive assemblyincluding a motor 1400 (e.g., an electric motor), a motor frame 1402, acam drive 1404, and a driven bracket 1408. The motor 1400 can be mountedwithin the kiosk 1010 via the motor frame 1402. For example, the motorframe 1402 can be fastened or otherwise connected to the base plate 1084or some other component of the kiosk 1010. The motor 1400 can beconfigured to drive rotation of the cam drive 1404. The cam drive 1404,in turn, can be configured to drive movement of the driven bracket 1408up and down. For example, the cam drive 1404 can include a cam coupling1410 (FIG. 19A) configured to receive a driveshaft 1412 of the motor1400. The cam drive 1404 can be configured to translate rotation of thedriveshaft 1412 (FIG. 19B) into linear motion of the driven bracket1408. More specifically, the cam drive 1404 can include the cam tab 1416(FIG. 19B) configured to engage with a cam receiver 1418 (FIG. 19A) ofthe driven bracket 1408. The cam receiver 1418 can be, for example, aslot configured to receive the camp tab 1416.

The driven bracket 1408 can be coupled to the retaining bracket 1364either directly or indirectly. Preferably, the retaining bracket 1364and driven bracket 1408 are rotationally and translationally affixed toeach other when assembled. For example, one or more fasteners,adhesives, or other coupling methods and structures can be used tocouple the driven bracket 1408 the retaining bracket 1364. One or bothof the driven bracket 1408 and the retaining bracket 1364 can includealignment features configured to maintain desired alignment between thedriven bracket 1408 and retaining bracket 1364. Maintaining alignmentbetween the driven bracket 1408 and the retaining bracket 1364 canreduce the likelihood of motion of the driven bracket 1408 in directionsother than the desired extension and retraction directions. Thealignment features can include one or more protrusions or indentationson one or both of the retaining bracket 1364 and the driven bracket1408. For example, the retaining bracket 1364 can include one, two, ormore protrusions 1420 (FIG. 19A) configured to engage one, two or moreindentations 1422 (FIG. 19B) in the driven bracket 1408.

Returning to FIG. 18A, the connector holder 1360 can be coupled to theretaining bracket 1364 via one or more retaining mechanisms 1424. Theretaining mechanism 1424 can be, for example, a clip or other structureconfigured to releasably engage with one or both of the connector holder1360 and the retaining bracket 1564. The retaining mechanism 1424 caninclude a retaining tab 1430 configured to engage with the retainingslot 1432 in the connector holder 1360. The retaining mechanism 1424 caninclude a release mechanism 1434 configured to allow the user to quicklyand easily release the retaining mechanism 1424 from the connectorholder 1360. For example, the release mechanism 1434 can be a flange orother protrusion configured to be pulled or otherwise manipulated torelease the retaining tab 1430 from the retaining slot 1432.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the secondary connector assembly1089 a is taken along the cut plane 20-20 in FIG. 17 . As discussedabove, the secondary connector assembly 1089 a can be mounted to thebase plate 1084. More specifically, the retaining bracket 1364 anddriven bracket 1408 can clamp onto or otherwise capture a portion of thebase plate 1084. Connection between the retaining bracket 1364 and thedriven bracket 1408 can be tight enough to reduce the risk of vibrationbetween the connector assembly 1089 a and the base plate 1084 whilebeing loose enough to allow translational motion of the connectorassembly 1089 a with respect to the base plate 1084. For example, one orboth of the driven bracket 1408 and the retaining bracket 1064 caninclude a spacing portion 1430 (e.g., a protrusion, or other structureextending between the driven bracket 1408 and the retaining bracket1064) which spaces the driven bracket 1408 from the retaining bracket1064. This spacing can form one or more channels 1433 or tracks in whichretained portions 1435 of the base plate 1084 can be captured. Thespacing portion 1430 can inhibit or prevent over tightening of thedriven bracket 1408 and retaining bracket 1064 onto the retainedportions 1435 of the base plate 1084. In some embodiments, one or morefasteners 1436 extend at least partially through the spacing portion1430 to connect the driven bracket 1408 the retaining bracket 1064. Thechannels 1433 and retained portions 1435 can be configured to permitlinear motion of the secondary connector assembly 1089 a in theretraction and extension directions while preventing translation orrotation of the secondary connector assembly 1089 a in other directions.While FIGS. 18A-20 illustrate and describe the components and featuresof the first secondary connector assembly 1089 a, it should be notedthat the second secondary connector assembly 1089 b can be identical toor substantially identical to the first secondary connector assembly1089 a in both structure and function.

FIG. 21 provides a schematic representation of an architecture of thekiosk 10, 1010 configured in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology. In the illustrated embodiment, the kiosk 10, 1010 includes asuitable processor or central processing unit (CPU) 2100 that controlsoperation of the kiosk 10, 1010 in accordance with computer-readableinstructions stored on system memory 2106. The CPU 2100 may be any logicprocessing unit, such as one or more CPUs, digital signal processors(DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. The CPU2100 may be a single processing unit or multiple processing units in adevice or distributed across multiple devices. The CPU 2100 is connectedto the memory 2106 and may be coupled to other hardware devices, forexample, with the use of a bus (e.g., a PCI Express or Serial ATA bus).The CPU 2100 can include, by way of example, a standard personalcomputer (PC) (e.g., a DELL OPTIPLEX 7010 PC) or other type of embeddedcomputer running any suitable operating system, such as Windows, Linux,Android, iOS, or an embedded real-time operating system. In someembodiments, the CPU 2100 can be a small form factor PC with integratedhard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) and universal serialbus (USB) or other ports to communicate with the other components of thekiosk 10, 1010. In other embodiments, the CPU 2100 can include amicroprocessor with a standalone motherboard that interfaces with aseparate HDD. The memory 2106 can include read-only memory (ROM) andrandom access memory (RAM) or other storage devices, such as disk drivesor SSDs, that store the executable applications, test software,databases and other software required to, for example, control kioskcomponents, process electronic device information and data (to, e.g.,evaluate device make, model, condition, pricing, etc.), communicate andexchange data and information with remote computers and other devices,etc.

The CPU 2100 can provide information and instructions to kiosk users viathe display screen 16, 1016 and/or an audio system (e.g., a speaker)2104. The CPU 2100 can also receive user inputs via, e.g., a touchscreen 2108 associated with the display screen 16, 1016, a keypad withphysical keys, and/or a microphone 2110. Additionally, the CPU 2100 canreceive personal identification and/or biometric information associatedwith users via the ID reader 14 b, 1014 b, one or more external cameras2116, and/or a fingerprint reader 2114. In some embodiments, the CPU2100 can also receive information (such as user identification and/oraccount information) via a card reader 2112 (e.g., a debit, credit, orloyalty card reader having, e.g., a suitable magnetic stripe reader,optical reader, etc.). The CPU 2100 can also control operation of thelabel dispenser 110 and systems for providing remuneration to users,such as the payment dispenser 14 c, 1014 c and/or a receipt or voucherprinter 32 a-b and an associated dispenser 14 d, 1014 d.

As noted above, the kiosk 10, 1010 additionally includes a number ofelectronic, optical and electromechanical devices for electrically,visually and/or physically analyzing electronic devices placed thereinfor recycling. Such systems can include one more internal cameras 60,122 for visually inspecting electronic devices for, e.g., determiningexternal dimensions and condition, and one or more of the electricalconnectors 114, 1115 (e.g., USB connectors) for, e.g., powering upelectronic devices and performing electronic analyses. As noted above,the cameras 60, 122 can be operably coupled to the upper and lowerchambers 40, 1040 and 120, and one or more of the connectors 114, 1115can be movably and interchangeably carried by the connector assemblies85, 1089. The kiosk 10, 1010 further includes a plurality of mechanicalcomponents that are electronically actuated for carrying out the variousfunctions of the kiosk 10, 1010 during operation. The mechanicalcomponents 2118 can include, for example, the inspection area accessdoor 18, 1018 and one or more of the movable components (e.g. theinspection plate 100, 1100, the upper and lower chambers 40, 1040 and120, etc.) operably associated with the inspection area 50, 1050. Thekiosk 10, 1010 further includes power 2102, which can include batterypower and/or facility power for operation of the various electricalcomponents associated with kiosk operation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the kiosk 10, 1010 further includes anetwork connection 2122 (e.g., a wired connection, such as an Ethernetport, cable modem, FireWire cable, Lightning connector, USB port, etc.)suitable for communication with, e.g., all manner of remote processingdevices via a communication link 2150, and a wireless transceiver 2124(e.g., including a Wi-Fi access point, Bluetooth transceiver, near-fieldcommunication (NFC) device, and/or a wireless modem or cellular radioutilizing GSM, CDMA, 3G, 4G and/or 5G technologies, each of which mayinclude an associated antenna or antennas) for data communicationssuitable for communication with, e.g., all manner of remote processingdevices via the communication link 2150 and/or directly via, e.g., awireless peer-to-peer connection. For example, the wireless transceiver2124 can facilitate wireless communication with handheld devices, suchas a mobile device 54, 1054, 2130 (e.g., a smartphone) either in theproximity of the kiosk 10, 1010 or remote therefrom. By way of exampleonly, in the illustrated embodiment the mobile device 54, 1054, 2130 caninclude one or more features, applications and/or other elementscommonly found in smartphones and other known mobile devices. Forexample, the mobile device 54, 1054, 2130 can include a CPU and/or agraphics processing unit (GPU) 2134 for executing computer readableinstructions stored on memory 2136. In addition, the mobile device 54,1054 can include an internal power source or battery 2132, a dockconnector 2146, a USB port or other connection port 2148, a camera 2140,and/or well-known input devices, including, for example, a touch screen2142, a keypad, etc. In many embodiments, the mobile device 54, 1054 canalso include a speaker 2144 for two-way communication and audioplayback. In addition to the foregoing features, the mobile device 54,1054 can include a mobile operating system (OS) 2131 and/or a devicewireless transceiver that may include one or more antennas 2138 forwirelessly communicating with, for example, other mobile devices,websites, and the kiosk 10, 1010. Such communication can be performedvia, e.g., the communication link 2150 (which can include the Internet,a public or private intranet, a local or extended Wi-Fi network, celltowers, the plain old telephone system (POTS), etc.), direct wirelesscommunication, etc.

Unless described otherwise, the construction and operation of thevarious components shown in FIG. 21 are of conventional design. As aresult, such components need not be described in further detail herein,as they will be readily understood by those skilled in the relevant art.In other embodiments, the kiosk 10, 1010 and/or the mobile device 54,1054 can include other features that may be different from thosedescribed above. In still further embodiments, the kiosk 10, 1010 and/orthe mobile device 54, 1054 can include more or fewer features similar tothose described above.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are flow diagrams of a routine 2200 for operating thekiosk 10, 1010 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.In some embodiments, all or portions of the routine 2200 can beperformed by the processor 2100 described above with reference to FIG.21 , in accordance with computer-readable instructions stored on thememory 2106. Referring first to FIG. 22A, the routine begins when theuser approaches the kiosk 10, 1010. The routine 2200 then proceeds toblock 2202 wherein the user to initiate the transaction with the kiosk10, 1010. For example, the user may approach the kiosk 10, 1010 andindicate (via, e.g., interactions with the display 16, 1016) that theuser wishes to sell an electronic device that the user currently owns(e.g., a mobile phone).

After the transaction is initiated, the routine 2200 proceeds to block2204 wherein the user may identify the type of electronic device theywish to be evaluated (e.g., via a touch screen portion of one of thedisplays 16 a-b,1016 a-b and/or via one of the user interface devices 14a-d,1014 a-d). In decision block 2206, the routine 2200 determineswhether the electronic device is wirelessly connected to the kiosk 10,1010. For example, confirming wireless connection can include receivinguser input to the kiosk via the electronic device, wirelessly sending aconfirmation code to the electronic device from the kiosk for entry bythe user on one of the displays 16 a-b,1016 a-b or user inputs 14a-b,1014 a-b, and/or some other confirmation method known in the art. Ifso, the routine proceeds to block 2210 wherein the access door the kioskis opened to provide access to the inspection area of the kiosk. If nowireless connection exists between the electronic device and the kiosk10, 1010, the routine proceeds to block 2208 wherein an appropriateelectrical connector (e.g., a connector configured to connect to adocking port, data port, charging port, and/or some other port of theelectronic device) is presented. Determining the appropriate electricalconnector can be accomplished by receiving user input (e.g., via a touchscreen portion of one of the displays 16 a-b,1016 a-d, and/or via one ofthe user interface devices 14 a-d,1014 a-d) identifying the make/modelof the electronic device. In some embodiments, the user may be asked(e.g., via one of the displays 16 a-d,1016 a-d) to select the type ofelectrical connector appropriate for the electronic device. In someembodiments, the electrical connector is presented after the access dooris opened. In some embodiments, even in the presence of a wirelessconnection between the electronic device and the kiosk 10, 1010, thekiosk presents a wired electrical connector to the user. Presentation ofthe connector can include, for example, rotation of the primaryconnector carrier 85 and/or extension of one of the secondary connectors1115.

In some embodiments, after the access door is opened, the user will beinstructed (e.g., via one of the displays 16 a-b,1016 a-b) to connectthe electronic device to the kiosk, if such a connection is not alreadyestablished. Once the electronic device is connected to the kiosk, theroutine 2200 can proceed to block 2214 wherein the access door isclosed. The access doors also locked to prevent the user or otherpersons from accessing the electronic device during inspection and fromaccessing the interior of the kiosk 10, 1010.

As illustrated in FIG. 22B, the routine 2200 can proceed to block 2216,wherein the evaluation assembly of the kiosk is rotated from the homeposition (FIG. 11A) to an evaluation position (FIG. 11B). In someembodiments, the electrical connector is disconnected from theelectronic device before or when the evaluation assembly is in theevaluation position. The routine 2000 can proceed to block 2221evaluation assembly is in the evaluation position. At block 2220, theelectronic device is evaluated. Evaluation of the device includesevaluation of the physical condition of the device (e.g., detectingdamage or other wear), confirmation of the type of device (e.g., makeand model), and/or evaluation of the functional condition of the device(e.g., battery charge, wireless capability, screen functionality, etc.).These evaluations can be accomplished via visual inspection and/orelectrical inspection of the device within the kiosk 10, 1010. In someembodiments, a visual inspection is performed by remote personnelobserving the electronic device via the one or more cameras of thekiosk. In some embodiments, visual inspection is performed, at least inpart, via a neural network applying machine learning, as described inU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/807,165, entitled NEURALNETWORK BASED PHYSICAL CONDITION EVALUATION OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES, ANDASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS and filed Feb. 18, 2019 (attorneyreference number 111220-8054.US00), the entire disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein and made part of the presentdisclosure. Device evaluation can also include determining a purchaseoffer for the electronic device. In some instances, purchase offer is acash offer or equivalent. In other instances, the purchase offer may befor trade-in credit, retail credit, or some other non-cash compensation.Depending on the condition of the device, the offer may be forrecycling-only, without financial remuneration.

After evaluation and valuation of the electronic device, the routine2200 can proceed to block 2222 wherein the offer is presented to theuser. The routine then proceeds to decision block 2224 wherein the usereither accepts the offer or rejects the offer. Should the user rejectthe offer, the routine 2200 proceeds to block 2226 wherein theevaluation assembly is returned to the home position. In block 2228 theaccess door is opened. Finally, a block 2230, the electronic device isreturned to the user via the access door.

If, however, the user accepts the offer, the routine proceeds to block2234 to disconnect the electrical connector from the electronic device(if such disconnection did not already occur). The routine 2200 thenproceeds to block 2236 wherein the evaluation assembly is furtherrotated to a binning position (FIG. 11C). In the bidding position, theinspection plate and/or other components of the evaluation assembly areoriented to cause the electronic device to move from the evaluationassembly to a bin (block 2238) or other receptacle. The bin can bepositioned within the kiosk 10, 1010 or adjacent the kiosk 10, 1010.Preferably, the bin is secured via one or more locks or other mechanismsconfigured to inhibit or prevent access to the electronic device iswithin the bin by unauthorized persons. The access door of the kiosk 10,1010 can remain closed and locked during one or more of blocks2234-2240.

In some embodiments, the routine include block 2240, in whichremuneration determined in block 2222 is provided to the user.Remuneration can be dispensed by the kiosk payment dispenser 14 c,1014c, directly deposited into a user's account, or otherwise provided tothe user. In some embodiments, remuneration is delayed until receipt andinspection of the electronic device at a remote evaluation facility.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a suitable network environment forimplementing various aspects of an electronic device recycling system2300 configured in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of the kiosks 10,1010 (identified individually as kiosks 100 a,1010 a-10 n,1010 n) canexchange information with one or more remote computers (e.g., one ormore server computers 2304) via the communication link 2150. Althoughthe communication link 2150 can include a publicly available network(e.g., the Internet with a web interface), a private communication link,such as an intranet or other network can also be used. Moreover, invarious embodiments the individual kiosks 10, 1010 can be connected to ahost computer (not shown) that facilitates the exchange of informationbetween the kiosks 10, 1010 and remote computers, other kiosks, mobiledevices, etc.

The server computer 2304 can perform many or all of the functions forreceiving, routing and storing of electronic messages, such as webpages,audio signals and electronic images necessary to implement the variouselectronic transactions described herein. For example, the servercomputer 2304 can retrieve and exchange web pages and other content withan associated database or databases 2306. In some embodiments, thedatabase 2306 can include information related to mobile phones and/orother consumer electronic devices. Such information can include, forexample, make, model, serial number, International Mobile EquipmentIdentity (IMEI) number, carrier plan information, pricing information,owner information, etc. In various embodiments the server computer 2304can also include a server engine 2308, a web page management component2310, a content management component 2312, and a database managementcomponent 2314. The server engine 2308 can perform the basic processingand operating system level tasks associated with the varioustechnologies described herein. The webpage management component 2310 canhandle creation and/or display and/or routing of web or other displaypages. The content management component 2312 can handle many of thefunctions associated with the routines described herein. The databasemanagement component 2314 can perform various storage, retrieval andquery tasks associated with the database 2306, and can store variousinformation and data such as animation, graphics, visual and audiosignals, etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, the kiosks 10, 1010 can also be operablyconnected to a plurality of other remote devices and systems via thecommunication link 2150. For example, the kiosks 10, 1010 can beoperably connected to a plurality of user devices 2318 (e.g., personalcomputers, laptops, handheld devices, etc.) having associated browsers2320. Similarly, as described above the kiosks 10, 1010 can each includewireless communication facilities for exchanging digital informationwith wireless-enabled electronic devices, such as the electronic device730. The kiosks 10, 1010 and/or the server computer 2304 are alsooperably connectable to a series of remote computers for obtaining dataand/or exchanging information with necessary service providers,financial institutions, device manufactures, authorities, governmentagencies, etc. For example, the kiosks 10, 1010 and the server computer2304 can be operably connected to one or more cell carriers 2322, one ormore device manufacturers 2324 (e.g., mobile phone manufacturers), oneor more electronic payment or financial institutions 2328, one or moredatabases (e.g., the GSMA IMEI Database, etc.), and one or morecomputers and/or other remotely located or shared resources associatedwith cloud computing 2326. The financial institutions 2328 can includeall manner of entity associated with conducting financial transactions,including banks, credit/debit card facilities, online commercefacilities, online payment systems, virtual cash systems, money transfersystems, etc.

In addition to the foregoing, the kiosks 10, 1010 and the servercomputer 2304 can also be operably connected to a resale marketplace2330 and a kiosk operator 2332. The resale marketplace 2330 represents asystem of remote computers and/or services providers associated with thereselling of consumer electronic devices through both electronic andbrick and mortar channels. Such entities and facilities can beassociated with, for example, online auctions for reselling usedelectronic devices as well as for establishing market prices for suchdevices. The kiosk operator 2332 can be a central computer or system ofcomputers for controlling all manner of operation of the network ofkiosks 10, 1010. Such operations can include, for example, remotemonitoring and facilitating of kiosk maintenance (e.g., remote testingof kiosk functionality, downloading operational software and updates,etc.), servicing (e.g., periodic replenishing of cash and otherconsumables), performance, etc. In addition, the kiosk operator 2332 canfurther include one or more display screens operably connected tocameras located at each of the kiosks 10, 1010 (e.g., one or more of thecameras 60, 122 described above). This remote viewing capability enablesoperator personnel to verify user identification and/or make othervisual observations in real-time during transactions.

The foregoing description of the electronic device recycling system 2300illustrates but one possible network system suitable for implementingthe various technologies described herein. Accordingly, those ofordinary skill in the art with appreciate that other systems consistentwith the present technology can omit one or more of the facilitiesdescribed in reference to FIG. 23 , or can include one or moreadditional facilities not described in detail in FIG. 23 .

The kiosks 10, 1010, mobile devices 2330, 54, and 1054, server computers2304, user computers or devices 2318, etc. can include one or morecentral processing units or other logic-processing circuitry, memory,input devices (e.g., keyboards and pointing devices), output devices(e.g., display devices and printers), and storage devices (e.g.,magnetic, solid state, fixed and floppy disk drives, optical diskdrives, etc.). Such computers can include other program modules such asan operating system, one or more application programs (e.g., wordprocessing or spreadsheet applications), and the like. The computers caninclude wireless computers, such as mobile phones, personal digitalassistants (PDAs), palm-top computers, tablet computers, notebook andlaptop computers desktop computers, e-readers, music players, GPSdevices, wearable computers such as smartwatches and Google® Glass™,etc., that communicate with the Internet via a wireless link. Thecomputers may be general-purpose devices that can be programmed to runvarious types of applications, or they may be single-purpose devicesoptimized or limited to a particular function or class of functions.Aspects of the invention may be practiced in a variety of othercomputing environments.

While the Internet is shown, a private network, such as an intranet canlikewise be used herein. The network can have a client-serverarchitecture, in which a computer is dedicated to serving other clientcomputers, or it can have other architectures such as peer-to-peer, inwhich one or more computers serve simultaneously as servers and clients.A database or databases, coupled to the server computer(s), stores muchof the web pages and content exchanged between the user computers. Theserver computer(s), including the database(s), can employ securitymeasures to inhibit malicious attacks on the system, and to preserveintegrity of the messages and data stored therein (e.g., firewallsystems, message encryption and/or authentication (e.g., using transportlayer security (TLS) or secure sockets layer (SSL)), password protectionschemes, encryption of stored data (e.g., using trusted computinghardware), and the like).

One skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the concepts of theinvention can be used in various environments other than location basedor the Internet. In general, a display description can be in HTML, XMLor WAP format, email format or any other format suitable for displayinginformation (including character/code-based formats, algorithm-basedformats (e.g., vector generated), and bitmapped formats). Also, variouscommunication channels, such as local area networks, wide area networks,or point-to-point dial-up connections, can be used instead of theInternet. The system can be conducted within a single computerenvironment, rather than a client/server environment. Also, the usercomputers can comprise any combination of hardware or software thatinteracts with the server computer, such as television-based systems andvarious other consumer products through which commercial ornoncommercial transactions can be conducted. The various aspects of theinvention described herein can be implemented in or for any e-mailenvironment.

Although not required, aspects of the invention are described in thegeneral context of computer-executable instructions, such as routinesexecuted by a data processing device, e.g., a server computer, wirelessdevice or personal computer. Those skilled in the relevant art willappreciate that aspects of the invention can be practiced with othercommunications, data processing, or computer system configurations,including: Internet appliances, hand-held devices (including personaldigital assistants (PDAs)), wearable computers, all manner of cellularor mobile phones (including Voice over IP (VoIP) phones), dumbterminals, media players, gaming devices, multi-processor systems,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, set-topboxes, network PCs, mini-computers, mainframe computers, and the like.Indeed, the terms “computer,” “server,” “host,” “host system,” and thelike are generally used interchangeably herein, and refer to any of theabove devices and systems, as well as any data processor.

Aspects of the inventions can be embodied in a special purpose computeror data processor that is specifically programmed, configured, orconstructed to perform one or more of the computer-executableinstructions described in detail herein. While aspects of the invention,such as certain functions, are described as being performed exclusivelyon a single device, the invention can also be practiced in distributedenvironments where functions or modules are shared among disparateprocessing devices, which are linked through a communications network,such as a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or theInternet. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may belocated in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the routines andother functions and methods described herein can be implemented as anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), by a digital signalprocessing (DSP) integrated circuit, through conventional programmedlogic arrays and/or circuit elements. While many of the embodiments areshown and described as being implemented in hardware (e.g., one or moreintegrated circuits designed specifically for a task), such embodimentscould equally be implemented in software and be performed by one or moreprocessors. Such software can be stored on any suitablecomputer-readable medium, such as microcode stored in a semiconductorchip, on a computer-readable disk, or downloaded from a server andstored locally at a client.

Aspects of the invention may be stored or distributed on tangiblecomputer-readable media, including magnetically or optically readablecomputer discs, hard-wired or preprogrammed chips (e.g., EEPROMsemiconductor chips), nanotechnology memory, biological memory, or otherdata storage media. Alternatively, computer implemented instructions,data structures, screen displays, and other data under aspects of theinvention may be distributed over the Internet or over other networks(including wireless networks), on a propagated signal on a propagationmedium (e.g., an electromagnetic wave(s), a sound wave, etc.) over aperiod of time, or they may be provided on any analog or digital network(packet switched, circuit switched, or other scheme). Although specificcircuitry is described above, those or ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that a microprocessor-based system could also be used whereany logical decisions are configured in software.

References throughout the foregoing description to features, advantages,or similar language do not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present technology should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to thefeatures and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Thus,discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe present technology may be combined in any suitable manner in one ormore embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize thatthe present technology can be practiced without one or more of thespecific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In otherinstances, additional features and advantages may be recognized incertain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of thepresent technology.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, includingany that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporatedherein by reference in the entirety, except for any subject matterdisclaimers or disavowals, and except to the extent that theincorporated material is inconsistent with the express disclosureherein, in which case the language in this disclosure controls. Aspectsof the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems,functions, and concepts of the various references described above toprovide yet further implementations of the invention.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling orconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer tothis application as a whole and not to any particular portions of thisapplication. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription using the singular or plural number may also include theplural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to alist of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list,and any combination of the items in the list.

While the above description describes various embodiments of theinvention and the best mode contemplated, regardless how detailed theabove text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Details of thesystem may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while stillbeing encompassed by the present disclosure. As noted above, particularterminology used when describing certain features or aspects of theinvention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is beingredefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the invention to the specific examplesdisclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Descriptionsection explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope ofthe invention encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also allequivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under theclaims.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments ofthe invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration,but that various modifications may be made without deviating from thespirit and scope of the various embodiments of the invention. Further,while various advantages associated with certain embodiments of theinvention have been described above in the context of those embodiments,other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not allembodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within thescope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited,except as by the appended claims.

Although certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certainclaim forms, the applicant contemplates the various aspects of theinvention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the applicantreserves the right to pursue additional claims after filing thisapplication to pursue such additional claim forms, in either thisapplication or in a continuing application.

1.-22. (canceled)
 23. A consumer operated kiosk configured to evaluatean electronic device received from a user, the kiosk comprising: ahousing; an inspection plate rotatable about a horizontal axis relativeto the housing between a first position and a second position, whereinthe inspection plate is configured to receive the electronic device whenthe inspection plate is in the first position; a camera; and one or moreprocessors operably connected to the camera and the inspection plate,wherein the one or more processors are configured to: cause theinspection plate to rotate from the first position to the secondposition with the electronic device thereon, receive one or more imagesof the electronic device via the camera when the inspection plate is inthe second position, and facilitate determination of an offer price forthe electronic device based at least in part on the one or more images.24. The kiosk of claim 23 wherein the inspection plate is configured torotate about the horizontal axis from the second position to a thirdposition to move the electronic device from the inspection plate to astorage receptacle.
 25. The kiosk of claim 23, further comprising one ormore mirrors positioned proximate the inspection plate when theinspection plate is in the second position, the one or more mirrorsconfigured to provide the camera with one or more reflected views of theelectronic device positioned on the inspection plate.
 26. The kiosk ofclaim 25 wherein the one or more mirrors are mounted to a mirror frameconfigured to rotate relative to the inspection plate.
 27. The kiosk ofclaim 25 wherein the one or more mirrors are mounted to a mirror frame,and wherein the inspection plate is configured to rotate relative to themirror frame.
 28. The kiosk of claim 23 wherein the camera is a firstcamera, and wherein the kiosk further comprises a second camera.
 29. Thekiosk of claim 28 wherein the inspection plate is positioned between thefirst camera and the second camera when the inspection plate is in thesecond position.
 30. The kiosk of claim 28 wherein the second camera isconfigured to rotate with the inspection plate.
 31. The kiosk of claim23 wherein, when in the first position, an angle of the inspection platewith respect to horizontal is greater than 0° and less than 90°.
 32. Thekiosk of claim 23 wherein, when in the first position, an angle of theinspection plate with respect to horizontal is greater than 30° and lessthan 65°.
 33. The kiosk of claim 23 wherein, when in the secondposition, the inspection plate is horizontal or about horizontal. 34.The kiosk of claim 23, further comprising a lighting assembly operablycoupled to the inspection plate.
 35. The kiosk of claim 23 wherein theinspection plate is at least partially transparent.
 36. The kiosk ofclaim 35 wherein the camera is a first camera positioned above theinspection plate, and wherein the kiosk further comprises a secondcamera positioned below the inspection plate and configured to obtainone or more images of the electronic device through the inspection platewhen the inspection plate is in the second position.
 37. The kiosk ofclaim 23 wherein the one or more processors are further configured toreceive characteristic information about the electronic device, andwherein facilitating determination of an offer price further includesfacilitating determination of an offer price based at least in part onthe characteristic information.
 38. The kiosk of claim 23 wherein theelectronic device is a mobile phone.
 39. A consumer operated kioskconfigured to evaluate an electronic device, the kiosk comprising: ahousing; an inspection plate rotatable relative to the housing, whereinthe inspection plate is configured to (a) receive the electronic devicewhen the inspection plate is in a first position, and (b) rotate about ahorizontal axis from the first position to a second position with theelectronic device thereon; and a camera configured to obtain one or moreimages of the electronic device when the inspection plate is in thesecond position.
 40. The kiosk of claim 39 wherein the inspection plateis further configured to (c) rotate about the horizontal axis from thesecond position to a third position, the third position beingnonhorizontal.
 41. The kiosk of claim 39 wherein, when in the firstposition, an angle of the inspection plate with respect to horizontal isbetween 10° and 85°.
 42. The kiosk of claim 39 wherein, when in thesecond position, the inspection plate is substantially horizontal. 43.The kiosk of claim 39, further comprising one or more processorsconfigured to facilitate determination of an offer price for theelectronic device based at least in part on the one or more images. 44.A method of evaluating an electronic device using a consumer operatedkiosk having a housing, an inspection plate and a camera, the methodcomprising: receiving the electronic device on the inspection plate froma user when the inspection plate is in a first position relative to thehousing; rotating the inspection plate about a horizontal axis from thefirst position to a second position; obtaining, via the camera, one ormore images of the electronic device with the inspection plate in thesecond position; determining, based at least in part on the one or moreimages, an offer price for the electronic device; and providing the userwith an offer to purchase the electronic device for the offer price. 45.The method of claim 44 wherein: when in the first position, an angle ofthe inspection plate with respect to horizontal is between 10° and 85°,and when in the second position, the inspection plate is horizontal orabout horizontal.
 46. The method of claim 44, further comprisingrotating the inspection plate about the horizontal axis from the secondposition to a third position to deposit the electronic device in astorage receptacle in response to an acceptance of the offer by theuser.
 47. The method of claim 44, further comprising presenting the userwith an electrical connector to be connected to the electronic devicewhen the inspection plate is in the first position.
 48. The method ofclaim 47, further comprising electrically evaluating the electronicdevice via the electrical connector.
 49. The method of claim 48, furthercomprising automatically disconnecting the electrical connector from theelectronic device after electrically evaluating the electronic device.